THE British Royal Mint yesterday released a commemorative £5 (US$7.14) coin to mark the British Queen’s 90th birthday.

    Created by artist and sculptor Christopher Hobbs, the coin features a classical garland of nine roses — one for each of the Queen’s decades — as well as the Royal cypher “EIIR,” and number 90.

    The £5 coin comes in a variety of finishes and metals including silver, gold and platinum gold, with prices from £20 to an astonishing £5,000 for a rare platinum edition.

    The Queen turns 90 April 21 but including her age on the coin was a controversial move, Hobbs said. “I thought it was important to have the 90 prominently on the coin, but I was told it raised a few eyebrows at the palace,” he said. “Apparently it’s not the done thing pointing out the Queen’s age but I think in this case it was absolutely necessary and the point was taken. I am told the design was submitted to the Queen and she passed it.”

    Hobbs, 75, took three months to come up with the design that also features a wreath of laurel leaves with four points — symbolizing England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

    Hobbs, whose work has been displayed at the British Library, said, “I wanted it to be a simple design which had the feel of continuity — after all, the Queen has reigned for 63 years.”

    (SD-Agencies)